MLB Pitchers with the Most Strikeouts in History

Strikeouts are one of the most exciting aspects of baseball, showcasing a pitcher’s dominance over hitters. Throughout MLB history, several pitchers have etched their names in the record books with their ability to strike out batters at an extraordinary rate. Here’s a look at the top five pitchers with the most strikeouts in MLB history.

5. Bert Blyleven – 3,701 Strikeouts

Bert Blyleven, known for his devastating curveball, amassed 3,701 strikeouts over his 22-year career, primarily with the Minnesota Twins and Pittsburgh Pirates. Blyleven’s most productive strikeout season came in 1973 when he recorded 258 strikeouts with the Twins. Despite being underrated during his playing days, Blyleven’s longevity and consistency earned him a place in the Hall of Fame. His ability to maintain effectiveness over two decades allowed him to accumulate strikeouts at a remarkable rate, placing him fifth on the all-time list.

4. Steve Carlton – 4,136 Strikeouts

Steve Carlton, affectionately known as “Lefty,” dominated hitters throughout his illustrious career, particularly with the Philadelphia Phillies. Carlton’s strikeout total of 4,136 remains one of the most impressive feats in MLB history. His 1972 season with the Phillies was especially noteworthy, as he recorded 310 strikeouts en route to winning the National League Cy Young Award. Carlton’s deadly slider and intense competitiveness made him one of the most feared left-handers in baseball, and his legacy as a strikeout artist remains firmly intact.

3. Roger Clemens – 4,672 Strikeouts

Roger Clemens, also known as “The Rocket,” was a power pitcher who struck out an incredible 4,672 batters during his career. Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards, more than any other pitcher in MLB history, and was a dominant force for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and Houston Astros. His best strikeout season came in 1988 with the Red Sox, where he notched 291 strikeouts. Clemens’ combination of power and precision allowed him to rack up strikeouts well into his 40s, cementing his place among the all-time greats.

2. Randy Johnson – 4,875 Strikeouts

Standing at 6’10”, Randy Johnson, “The Big Unit,” was an intimidating presence on the mound. Johnson’s blazing fastball and devastating slider led to 4,875 career strikeouts, making him the most dominant left-handed pitcher of his era. His peak came in 2001 with the Arizona Diamondbacks when he struck out 372 batters and won the World Series MVP. Johnson won five Cy Young Awards and was particularly effective in the latter stages of his career, continuing to strike out batters at an astonishing rate. His strikeout total is second only to the legendary Nolan Ryan.

1. Nolan Ryan – 5,714 Strikeouts

Nolan Ryan is the undisputed strikeout king of baseball. Over his 27-year career, Ryan struck out a staggering 5,714 batters, a record that may never be broken. Known for his overpowering fastball, Ryan pitched for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros and Texas Rangers. His 1973 season with the Angels was historic, as he recorded 383 strikeouts, the most in a single season during the modern era. Ryan also holds the record for most no-hitters with seven, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.

Notable Active Pitchers

While these legends have set the bar high, a few active pitchers are climbing the strikeout leaderboard. Max Scherzer, with over 3,400 strikeouts, Justin Verlander, with more than 3,300, and Clayton Kershaw, with over 2,900, are among the top active strikeout artists. All three are future Hall of Famers and continue to add to their impressive totals, though they still have a long way to go to catch the top five, and time in their illustrious careers is running out.